[dragonwriter]

> Software companies have been struggling to make a mass-market database program ever since Lotus 1-2-3 (the "3" was a database)

Not really; there were several post 1-2-3 mass-market database programs that had considerable success (dBase, Paradox, Access, FileMaker), though of those only Access is still successful.

> In my opinion, the FTC ought to prohibit use of this term by tech companies located in the 650 and 415 area codes.

Is this part of an East Bay / San Jose economic development plan?